Writing 2: From Vision to Reality & Why Planning Matters
Are You Living Without a Plan?
Are you one of the many people aimlessly wandering through life, fingers crossed, hoping things will magically change? Do you find yourself flying by the seat of your pants, navigating life without a flight plan? Life is already full of twists and turns—even with a plan. So why make it harder by going without one?
Yes, plans change. And no, you can't be prepared for everything. But planning gives shape to your vision and lays the foundation for meaningful progress.
We all have a vision of our future. Maybe you dream of relaxing with a book on a sunny beach. Maybe you long to spend more time with family. Whatever your vision, ask yourself: Are you pursuing that vision without a plan for how to get there?
Planning Begins With Questions
To create a plan, start by asking yourself two fundamental questions:
Who are you?
You are exactly who you choose to be.Where are you?
You are exactly where your past choices have brought you.
That’s why the most important moment in your life is right now. This moment is your opportunity to make a course correction. And you do that by aligning your decisions with your vision—maximizing the impact of every action you take.
Proper Action Matters
Taking action is not enough. Taking the right action is critical. We make decisions every day, but poor choices take us farther from our goals. For example, if your vision is to be healthier but you choose to eat a donut, that decision contradicts your goal. Eating the donut may feel small, but it’s a step in the wrong direction.
What you need is a system—a way to increase the odds of taking the right action at the right time. That’s where planning becomes essential.
A Better Process
Let’s go back to the donut example. If you bring donuts into your home assuming you’ll resist them, you’re relying on willpower alone. That’s flawed thinking. Why did you buy them in the first place if you didn’t intend to eat them? Willpower fades over time, and eventually, you’ll cave. The solution lies in smarter planning.
Here’s a basic framework to increase success:
Write down a clearly defined goal.
Set a realistic timeline to achieve it.
Assign or hire a coach for accountability.
Keep a food journal: If you bite it, write it.
Weigh yourself weekly to track progress.
Plan your shopping list when you’re not hungry.
Review and refine your shopping list.
Have your coach approve the list.
Avoid buying foods that sabotage your goal.
Stick to the list at the store.
Review your progress weekly.
Adjust your plan based on what you learn.
In short: Reflect, Refine, and Rise.
Reflect, Refine, Rise
If you're not happy with who you are or where you are, this method can help you change direction.
Reflect on your past. Understand how your choices shaped your current reality. Use the past as a tool—not an anchor.
Refine your thinking. Decide what changes are necessary to reset your compass toward true north.
Rise to the challenge. Take meaningful, intentional action based on your revised plan.
A Final Thought
Developing and implementing a plan requires rethinking your decision-making process. Every choice you make is an attempt to shape your future. While you can't control everything that happens, you can influence outcomes through thoughtful, intentional planning.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Design it with purpose.
